The Story of Us: A One Direction Story

Chapter 4: Welcome to our world

*This chapter contains critical topics. The scenes depicted are not intended to expose or offend anyone. We do not practice hate and do not want to spread fake news! This chapter is inspired by true events, but embellished with additional fictional information!*

--------------------

The band that lost on X Factor but won everything there was to win. Liam couldn't be prouder. After an incredibly fun party night with his boys, he scrolled through his social media the morning after, eagerly reading the fans' reactions to the concert. He and the boys knew the feedback would be mostly positive, but they hadn't expected the world to go this wild. To be honest, Liam was very nervous. He couldn't quite pinpoint what made him more anxious: the boys' reactions to a comeback, or the fans', the press's, or the family's. Factually, his biggest worry was that the boys wouldn't agree to a reunion since they were all very successful on their own. But emotionally, he feared the fans' reactions the most—especially the Directioners.

Liam knew he had hurt and disappointed his fans over the past years, and he was anything but proud of that. He never wanted to be an artist who spoke badly about his bandmates, family, or friends. Liam always aimed to stay scandal-free, if only to be a role model for Bear. But what Liam never anticipated was life, and it always goes differently than planned.

As much as he enjoyed his time in the band back then, it was still challenging. Being locked up in hotel rooms for days, mostly alone... There wasn't much to do besides watching TV, scrolling through social media, and raiding the minibar. Liam had tried for years to get clean again, for himself, his family, his fans. But sometimes, when times were tough, he didn't know any other way to cope.

One such day was June 4, 2022—the Logan Paul interview. A day the singer would rather forget forever. His heart still aches when he thinks about the reactions of his fans, his family, and the boys. Most of his fans had turned away from him; his Directioners, whom he loved dearly, wanted him never to be part of the band he once helped shape. The hatred that rained down on him still lingers. But, and this will never change for Liam, he does not blame his fans. How could he, after his actions? His fans are sacred to him. They made him who he is today, and he hopes with all his heart that one day they will forgive his misstep. Until that day comes, he will do everything he can to regain the trust they once shared.

His boys forgave him. And for that, Liam thanks the universe every day. "No one is perfect, Liam," Harry's words echo in his ears. He was the first of the band members to reach out. Harry had always had a sixth sense and knew exactly when his friends needed a shoulder to cry on. The rest of the boys also reached out immediately, assuring him there was no problem and pledging their support. "We've got this, Payno," Louis, who secretly left his tour to take him to the first day of his inpatient therapy, never left his side.

Zayn and Niall were also there for him, lending a listening ear and helping him get back on stage. That was the magic of One Direction, Liam was sure of it. He firmly believes their fans felt it too, and that the bond the five shared was the reason for their success.

And Harry, sitting in his hotel room, looking out at the London skyline, felt that magic too. After so many years, the five friends had indeed managed to find their way back to each other. The singer had often thought over the past years about when and if there would ever be a right time to bring the band back. He frequently asked himself if he even wanted it again. Don't get Harry wrong—he knows well that without the band, he would never be as successful as he is today. But his solo career was and still is something very special to him, and it fills him with pride that he achieved all of it on his own.

With a laugh, Harry remembers the early days of his career. He will never forget how shocked he was when his mother announced that she had signed him up for X Factor. With low expectations, he accepted the challenge back then, hoping not to embarrass himself. The relief he felt when he moved on to the next round still resonates with him today.